The domestic music industry has applauded recommendations made by Richard Hooper regarding a Digital Copyright Exchange (DCE) in the UK.
Hooper and report secretariat Dr Ros Lynch recommend measures aimed at streamlining copyright licensing in the digital age.
The DCE/online Copyright 'hub' would support the two existing music industry database projects: the Global Repertoire Database (PRS) and the Global Recording Database (PPL).
“The two GRDs will be exemplars for others to learn from and follow” said Hooper, who recommends PPL and PRS working closely together in marketing and administration as much as possible to help remove complexity from the licensing process.
However, question marks remain over who will pay for the 'industry-led, industry-funded' DCE in the UK. Hooper has acknowledged that some Government 'pump-priming' from the UK Government, or a cash injection from Brussels, may be possible.
In order to aid this potential, UK Music has committed to producing an annual report for the Secretary Of State showing the progress the industry has made in fulfilling Hooper's recommendations each year.
The recommendation for a Digital Copyright Exchange came from Professor Hargreaves’ review of intellectual property and growth, published in May 2011. Business Secretary Vince Cable asked Hooper to undertake a detailed analysis of whether and how it might work.
Look out for Thursday's Music Week magazine for an in-depth analysis of Hooper's recommendations.
Chief executive of UK Music Jo Dipple (pictured) said today: "The front-footedness of the British music industry has been rightly recognised in Richard's report. Our industry has shown great leadership in enabling the digital market place.
"But there is work to be done and UK Music has tasked itself to give the Secretary of State an annual update on the proposals. It is very important that we work together to maintain the momentum this process has created. We look forward to hearing Government's response to specific proposals."
Robert Ashcroft Chief Executive PRS for Music said: “We both welcome and support Richard Hooper's findings and will work with our partners in the industry to meet the challenges he identifies, providing a better licensing environment for all.
"Looking ahead, we believe that the Copyright Hub recommended by Hooper could place Britain at the very centre of the global, online market for the creative industries. Coupled with industry efforts for a Global Repertoire Database (GRD), it will prove to be a critical building block in what must inevitably be an international project.”
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive of PPL said: “In their very sensible report Richard Hooper and Dr. Ros Lynch have understood the importance of robust data to support licensing in the digital age and the efforts that PPL, and its record company and performer members, have made on this front.
"Even though there is more to be done they have helpfully suggested building on such work to make both direct and collective licensing solutions even more compelling to businesses. PPL has also committed to continue to develop its licensing services and will collaborate with the wider music industry to achieve this.
"We are delighted that the progress the music industry has been making in delivering licensing models has been recognised, particularly at a time after the opening ceremony of the Olympics last Friday which demonstrated on a global stage the cultural value and commercial importance of music to the UK.”
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